St. Sebastian

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 St. Sebastian  was born in 255 AD Rome/Milan. His parents were Tranqullinus and Martia, her siblings were Marcus, Marcellianus, and Nicostratus. 

  • He joined the Roman Army in 283 AD, possibly under Emperor Carinus, initially to support imprisoned Christians.
  • He quickly rose through the ranks due to his valor and strength, eventually becoming a captain in the Praetorian Guard under Emperors Diocletian and Maximian. These emperors were initially unaware of his Christian faith. 
Secret apostolate and discovery
  • While serving as an officer, Sebastian secretly ministered to and converted many fellow soldiers and prisoners to Christianity.
  • He was known for his healing abilities, reportedly curing a soldier's wife by making the sign of the cross on her forehead.
  • His Christian faith was eventually discovered when he converted Roman governor Chromatius. 
Martyrdom and legacy
  • Emperor Diocletian, feeling betrayed upon discovering Sebastian's faith, ordered his execution.
  • Sebastian was tied to a stake and shot with arrows, left for dead by the archers.
  • Miraculously, he survived and was nursed back to health by a pious widow named Irene.
  • Instead of fleeing, Sebastian courageously confronted Emperor Diocletian, denouncing his cruelty towards Christians.
  • Enraged, Diocletian ordered Sebastian to be beaten to death with clubs.
  • His body was then thrown into a sewer, from which it was recovered and buried in the catacombs at the entrance of the Cemetery of Callixtus, reportedly after Sebastian appeared in a vision to a holy woman named Lucina.
  • He is commemorated on January 20th and is revered as the patron saint of soldiers, archers, athletes, and those seeking protection from plagues.
  • The association with plague stems from the belief that arrows, like plague, could strike indiscriminately, and Sebastian's survival of the initial arrow attack offered hope during outbreaks.
  • His story serves as a testament to unwavering faith and courage in the face of persecution. 

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